The Wentworth Beam Engine

A major leap in steam engine technology came from James Watt, a Scottish engineer and inventor, who made substantial improvements to Newcomen’s earlier designs. In 1769 Watt introduced a separate condenser which greatly improved efficiency by eliminating the need to cool the cylinder with water. This allowed for continuous operation and higher power output. Watt also introduced other innovations, such as the parallel motion linkage that enabled the pistons to push and pull the beam i.e.  the engine became double acting. He also adapted the governor system he had seen in windmills to regulate the steam supply and so control engine speed. All these features are to be seen in the Beeleigh steam engine.